KOTA KINABALU: In a bizzareturn of events that seems to defy logic, Maswings has since Jan. 1 been flying its ATR500s between here and Sandakan four times daily – but without any paying passengers on board except for crew.

This means up to 240 seats unoccupied (ATR500s can accommodate 60 people) which if snapped up at AsiaAsia’s current rates for the same sector at RM195 (taking booking on Feb. 3 flight as benchmark) would mean a loss of RM46,800 daily or RM1.4m monthly and more depending on how long this state of affairs is allowed to continue.

Daily Express was tipped off about this by the travelling public who were prevented from boarding these “ferry flights” as they were called that depart KK at 8.20am and 3.15pm daily. The ATRs then proceed to serve only the Sandakan-Tawau sector before returning again to KK empty.

MASwings is a PSO carrier now, operating non-commercial basis except for BKI-LAC-BKI and TWU-TRK-TWU. Hence routes that they operate at the mercy of MAVCOM/MOT/CAAM. They are more of an entity created to service specific target of passengers where it is not commercially viable to ensure connectivity between those subsidized ports. Besides, AK have increased their frequency to SDK to cater the loss of capacity from MW's pullout. Infact capacity has grown between BKI-SDK, BKI-TWU and BKI-MYY served by other operators (including newly launched BKI-TWU by Malindo). Don't see any negative impact from this.

Makes me wonder where was all those reporters when this decision was announced back in late 2018 . Everyone knew this would be coming.

Maswings don't really have the right equipment to compete on sectors head on with operators who fly jets. The aging ATRs are always plagued with technical defects and uncomfortable rides in not so nice weather. Especially in Borneo where the weather can be quite challenging. Its about time Maswings switch to regional/narrowbody jets in case they want to explore sectors beyond whats in their PSO agreement. Unlike FY who are have the Subang advantage, Maswings don't.